waukegan's top 50 history events

Interactive Exhibit with Tournament Bracket

Vote for each match-up on the Waukegan History Museum facebook page. Every couple of days through mid-October a new poll will be posted.

The new exhibit celebrates 50 years of the Waukegan Historical Society.

We have determined Waukegan's Top 50 History Events but we need you to help to decide the #1 event for Waukegan.

The 50 events have been placed into a tournament bracket. From May 1, 2018 to July 6, 2018 you can fill out a tournament bracket. The person who has the bracket that predicts the most matchups will receive a $100 prize.

The Exhibits page has more information about “Waukegan's Top 50 History Events.”

Welcome!

The Waukegan Historical Society, a not-for-profit volunteer organization, was formed in 1968 by a group of residents to preserve and promote the long and varied history of Waukegan. If you have an interest in local history or that of your family, consider becoming a member. We would welcome your participation with us.

The Society and the Waukegan Park District jointly operate the Waukegan History Museum located amidst the gently rolling landscape of Bowen Park in northeastern Waukegan. The Museum resides in two historic structures on Bowen Heritage Circle, the Haines House (home of the Waukegan History Museum) and Lilac Cottage (home of the Raymond Library).

One of the earliest surviving structures in Lake County, the Haines House has been restored to reflect the décor of the late 1800’s when it was the home of John C. Haines, an early mayor of Chicago. It also houses important Waukegan artifacts, and both permanent and short term exhibits.

The Waukegan History Museum is open Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Group tours may be scheduled by appointment.

Except as noted above, the Raymond Library houses the Society’s extensive research collection of photos and documents on all aspects of Waukegan’s history. It is open Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Current Exhibits

Waukegan’s Top 50 History Events Exhibit and Tournament Bracket celebrating 50 years of the Waukegan Historical Society. Find out what we think are Waukegan’s Top 50 events and vote for what you think is #1.

Memorabilia from the exhibit includes historic photographs of Jack Benny, programs from Jack Benny performances, and autographed items by Jack Benny, Mary Livingstone, and others. Learn about Benny’s early days in Waukegan, his radio and television career, and the impact that he had on Hollywood and his hometown of Waukegan.

No closing date.

The exhibit is located in the Jack Benny Center for the Arts in Bowen Park (847-360-4740). The center is open to the public Monday through Saturday.